In 2016, BBC Children in Need generously supported SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity with a three-year grant towards their adoption service, totalling a phenomenal £128,845.
The three-year grant was provided to SSAFA to support their adoption service. The service aims to place children, who are living in disadvantage, with military families.
During the grant period, BBC Children in Need enabled SSAFA to make a true difference to the lives of 217 children through the employment of a Post Adoption Support Worker.
Support of this crucial role allowed SSAFA to provide adopted children and their parents with counselling, therapeutic support, training, and various fun activities, all of which led to a reduction in the levels of violent incidences and emotional outbursts experienced. As a result, the children were able to improve upon the relationships they held with their peers, whilst increasing their levels of self-confidence.
Iqtadar Hasnain, Head of Major Giving at SSAFA, said:
“The generosity shown by BBC Children in Need towards our vital adoption service has been truly transformational. It has supported our Post Adoption Support team in focusing even closer on the outcomes we can achieve for the children to ensure they remain in their new and loving homes. Families in the Armed Forces often have nowhere else to turn to for help due to the often unique nature of military life, but the employment of our Post Adoption Support Worker has enabled us to support even more deserving families as they proceed on their adoption journey.”
Bel Crewe, Senior Grants Officer at BBC Children in Need said:
“BBC Children in Need is committed to improving the lives of those children and young people who need it most and we are proud our funding to the SSAFA made a positive difference to young lives.”
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the forces, and their families. This includes both regulars and reserves.
ENDS
Notes to editors
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2018, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 82,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
About BBC Children in Need
BBC Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential. The charity will realise this vision by supporting, promoting and publicising work that addresses the challenges that children and young people face and work that builds their skills and resilience.
BBC Children in Need is currently supporting over 3,000 local charities and projects in communities across the UK that are helping children and young people facing a range of disadvantages such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.
Further information on BBC Children in Need can be found at bbc.co.uk/pudsey
